Ruby

July’s birthstone is the Ruby, symbolizing love and passion. Rubies have been prized for centuries.  In many cultures Rubies promote good health, prosperity, wisdom and a prosperous love life.

The ancient Roman’s called rubies “Ruber”, the Latin word for red. Legends state that the colour of the Ruby comes from an undying flame at the centre of the stone, an unquenchable fire that burns within its heart.  Rubies can be found to contain hints of brown, purple and pink.

Most commonly found in Myanmar (Burma), ancient Burmese warriors believed that placing a ruby underneath the skin made them invincible.

Rubies have been known to fetch more money than equivalently sized diamonds.

Birthstone
July

Colour
Most commonly red, however, it sometimes develops with hints of brown, purple or pink.

Hardness
9 (1 softest – 10 hardest)

Anniversary Stone
15 and 40

Care
Rubies are relatively hard—9 on the Mohs scale. It has excellent toughness which makes it a great choice for rings and other mountings subject to daily wear. 

Cleaning
Warm soapy water is always safe. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are usually safe for untreated, heat-treated, and lattice diffusion-treated stones. Fracture-filled, cavity-filled, or dyed material should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Please visit your nearest Crescent Gold and Diamonds Centre for a complimentary cleaning.

Known Treatments
Rubies are often heated to intensify the colour while also dissolving impurities in the stone. 

Famous Rubies

Delong Star Ruby
Discovered in Burma in the 1930s the Delong Star Ruby is over 100 carats. In contrast to most gemstones being faceted this stone was shaped and highly polished.

The Midnight Star Ruby
The Midnight Star Ruby is a 116-carat deep purple ruby, originally found in Sri Lanka.